You probably spent a lot of last month. So did we. But don’t worry, these activities are all free! Here’s to still having fun with the family, without having to spend anything.
Take a hike. Kick off 2025 with some fresh air. State parks across Oregon and Washington are offering free parking and free guided hikes. Hikes will highlight multiple trails, topography and natural history. Can’t make it on January 1? Try out one of these kid-friendly hikes.
Cool libraries ftw. Are you kids bored (even though they just got new things?!). Good thing there are some cool spaces to check out inside libraries. Don’t miss these destination libraries in the Portland-area (like Midland Library, pictured above).
Get cultural. Speaking of libraries, learn how to get free passes from your local library here. You can score free (and discounted) passes to popular museums and attractions.
Find Gilly. Mike Bennett’s Gilly the Goldfish has escaped from the Portland Aquarium and he needs your help finding her. Come take part in the Gilly the Goldfish Scavenger hunt happening until January 3 in downtown Portland. Pick up your scavenger hunt sheet at Snow Day Village located in Director Park! Open daily from 11 am – 7 pm.
Search for Santa. Have you spotted the Santa Clones yet? There’s still time.
Wonderful Winter. Join Friends of Tryon Creek in its Nature Classroom space. Open for parents and children visiting the park to come and experience nature-themed arts and crafts, and learn about animals, plants, fungi and water. Kids can interact, learn together, and make new friends. Held on January 2, the final theme is on winter. No registration is required!
Build it. Head to a Home Depot near you at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 3 for free kids’ workshops! While supplies last. Each month is a different activity; this month it’s making a tow truck!
See Red Yarn! Portland family performer Red Yarn & his critter puppets will perform in at Childpeace Montessori School’s playroom on Saturday, January 3 from 10-11 am. This high-energy, all ages show is open to the public so bring your friends! (Donations are suggested, but not required.)
Wing it. Head to Pearson Field Education Center in Vancouver on Saturday, January 3 from 10 am-3 pm for its Open Saturday for a day of STEAM education through aviation. The center is perfect for youth of all ages to experience hands-on learning and exploration.
Musical morning. When you visit Wonderwood Springs Cafe each Sunday morning, you’ll be treated to the musical stylings of Mr. Ben at 10 am. It’s the perfect weekend activity for families and kids!
Love search. Kick off the new year with a city-wide treasure hunt during Find Your Heart in Happy Valley. From January 5–30, search for handmade glass hearts by local artist Sweet Lomy Art all around Happy Valley and you could be one of the lucky adventurers to find one!
Check out a museum. Kids 17 and under are always free at the Portland Art Museum, or take advantage of regular free admission to places like the Oregon Historical Society or the Oregon Heritage Rail Center.
Discover Hoyt Arboretum. Pull on your rain boots and check out one of the three available discovery packs for your child and explore 200+ acres of forest at Hoyt Arboretum. Supplies suitable for K-5th grade students.
Make a craft. Don’t feel like venturing out? Try one of these crafts at home.
Time for stories. There are so many options for exposing your kids to good books in Portland, from our local libraries to one of our beloved, independent bookstores. The best part? Most are free! Here are some of our favorite storytimes.
Make like Ramona. Head to Northeast Portland for a self-guided Ramona Quimby walking tour. Walk by her school, Beverly Cleary’s house, and even the spot where Ramona’s boots got stuck in the mud in Ramona the Pest.
Bike to it. Strap on those helmets and get ready for a family-friendly bike ride to Portland State University’s farmers market. Held weekly on Saturdays that the market is open, this is an all-ages/all-abilities ride from Southeast Portland to the market.
Help out. Set the tone for your 2026 by volunteering. Here are 20-plus ways to give back as a family.
Celebrate Tolkien’s Birthday. For free, with your kids. The Kennedy School is hosting a party for J.R.R. Tolkien on Saturday, January 10. Gather your little hobbits and celebrate!
Get cooking. Try one of our kid-friendly recipes.
Celebrate MLK, Jr. Celebrate the civil rights legend during the MLK Community Celebration in Lake Oswego on Sunday, January 18. For Northeast families, spend the day at Irving Park during a group cleanup on Monday, January 19. And don’t miss the Keep Alive the Dream tribute at New Song Community Church on Monday, January 19.
Go foraging. Hit the Old Salmon River Trail for a mushroom foraging adventure with kids. (Plus get advice on how to stay safe.)
See a waterfall. Bundle up and enjoy the splendor of Bridal Veil Falls!
Get organized. Kick off the new year with a clean play area. Getting rid of stuff? Try giving stuff away through your neighborhood Facebook Buy-Nothing group.
Have a fun, budget-friendly month! For more family-friendly activities and events, check out our robust kids calendar!